I express my sorrow over the death of two juveniles as a result of the violence that took place on December 1, 2017. I share the pain and sadness of their families and relatives.

Unfortunately, children, their best interests and well-being are beyond the state's special attention, and therefore, children are still the most vulnerable members of the society. Violence against children is high, while measures to protect and assists them are insufficient and cannot respond to the existing challenges; public awareness and attitude should be changed through systemic approach.

General educational institutions have a special role in the prevention of child abuse, as their main duty is ensure child's personal development and education not only at school or during the teaching process, but in general, in terms of detection of domestic or other forms of violence against children and provision of relevant assistance and support to them.

Monitoring of child abuse in general educational institutions by the Public Defender's Office in the 2016-2017 academic year showed that bullying is a common form of communication at school, while the state does not have a uniform vision of preventing this form of violence. In addition, awareness of the professionals working with children is low about the forms of violence against children and the existing protection mechanisms.

The role of the family and society is important in preventing child abuse and violence. It is necessary to talk with children, get acquainted with their problems, achievements, co-participate in their daily activities. Unfortunately, such form of relations between parents and children is still a problem in Georgia, while the society often turns a blind eye to the cases of violence against children.

Based on the above, a timely and effective investigation of the incident that took place on December 1, as well as cooperation of witnesses of eyewitnesses, is of utmost importance. Unfortunately, it should be noted that inaccurate approaches of the society often hamper the process of investigation. It is necessary the incident to be properly discussed at general educational institutions, effective steps to be taken in the direction of prevention and detection of and response to any form of child abuse and to establish non-violent culture.

Finally, the media has an immeasurable role in preventing child abuse and changing stereotypes in the society. This is why similar cases should be covered by taking into account the overall context and the child's best interests, in order to promote creation of public discourse.